A Review Of The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark 2 Micro Four Thirds Camera
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- čas přidán 22. 03. 2015
- A review and test of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mk2 (E-M5II) Micro Four Thirds Compact System Camera.
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See my M43 blog at m43blog.dthorpe.net/ - Věda a technologie
Whenever I rewatch one of these videos I am reminded of what the photographic community has lost. David you are sorely missed.
Yes, very sad that David has passed at too young an age. If ever I want a real-life review of an MFT cameras or lens, David is the first person I turn to
I got this camera because of your recommendation David, so thank you. Rest in peace friend.
David's reviews set the bar for this type of content. His first hand opinions are explained and illustrated. His points are clearly understood. He covers the subject in a manner that leaves a clear and complete story. His content doesn't contain worthless dribble like "I love how it feels", "awesome" and so on. He uses valid comparisons and demonstrates the difference in his content instead of "telling" them. Very well done sir!
Love your reviews Dave, always honest and detailed. Much like an early crisp morning walk in the park!! So refreshing!
operative What can I say except thanks? Thanks!
One of my favorite cameras ever - just sold my M5.2 after 4 years to get an E-M1 MkII. Well done review - subscribed!
Thanks, David. I always look forward to hearing your opinion on new gear. Cheers.
Dustinrhoades Thanks, Dustin!
Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts! You always have the most down to earth and real world opinions that are truly helpful to a photographer who uses the camera rather than looks at the spec sheets. :)
Moshi Thanks Moshi - glad you find the videos helpful!
Another very good Review David, I really like the look of this Camera !
I truly enjoy your detailed reviews and most especially your addition of hand placement/effect on the camera and potentially resulting changes in camera settings during shooting. I own a Leica typ 109, which I truly enjoy as a carry-around, however I am constantly hitting and changing the WB button during use, to the point of frustration. Thanks for your review depth.
I'm glad you enjoy the reviews. I have found that even ith a camera I really like, one small fault can ruin the whole experience. It's often personal but ususally if I find something a nuisance, so will some others. I bet there are plenty moaning about that badly placed WB button!
Excellent video David, as always! It is clear you put a lot of effort into them. Very well thought out, informative and to the point. You are efficient with your words, saying a lot with a very few, that's a great skill.
Marek Kolesar Thanks Marek! They are a lot of effort but comments like yours make it very worthwhile.
I read several reviews (CameraLabs etc) and saw (almost) all the videos explaining the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. But I have been waiting for your review, David, with high hope and a lot of expectancy. As always, your video proved to be revelatory. You reflect on all important details, your arguments are firm and sound, your examples are ilustrative.
Dear David, I have been walking the rope ever since OM-D E-M5 II was announced.
Thank you for pushing me over!
MrVoayer Thanks very much - if you do get one, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Thanks David, great advice. I'll let you know which way I go. Have a great day.
Great review, thank you David.
excellent. many sources for technical information, so I thank you for talking about the actual experience
There's nothing like hand on use of a camera. It's what they are for, after all!
Phantastic video!
Thanks!
I've watched so many videos and have read so many so-called reviews of the EM1, EM5 and the EM5II. I'm exhausted! I actually feel fortunate to have come across your informative and truly educational (helpful) video reviews of these cameras. While watching, I've made notes, and pulled off quotes from your commentaries to remember for future reference.
Here's one of my favorites:
"If there is any difference between [the recent M43 cameras], it's pretty academic. Even if you put a GH4, EM1, and EM5II side by side, with identical lenses, I doubt you'd preceive any real world advantage in any of them - or any DSLR for that matter."
Your explanation of the "shutter shock" cleared up my worries of rumors that I'd read about the EM1. It appears to be a fairly normal thing, but one for which (unusually) Olympus has come up with a solution (firmware 3.0).
I'm still wavering over whether to get an EM1 or an EM5II, but your videos have helped me so much. Thank you!
Randall Cotten Hi Randall - It's great the videos have helped you - I'm not surprised you are wavering, though. Even though I prefer the handling of the E-M1, I'd probably go for the E-M5 Mk2 myself, for the video and swivelling monitor. I'd add the grip to improve the usability.
I really like the amount and variety of the images and the demo of the stabilization. Thank you for this review. Liked and subscribed.
Great to hear that - thanks!
Great review, thank you, David.
Regarding accidentally moving the "overcluttered" controls. When Olympus produced the Mark III version of the E-M10, they altered the Mark II's control knobs to make them much more ergonomic. This has been very successful. The E-M10 Mk3 is a dream to handle. My hope is that they'll do a similar ergonomic improvement job on the E-M5 Mark III when that's released in 2019-20.
Thanks again,
Rick
Thanks, Rick. Yes, the E-M10 III is very nice handling. I'm sure Olympus will apply that thinking to a new E-M5 and I hope overhaul the menus too!
So EM-5 II has a quiet shutter. That's very interesting. I've never seen anyone else mention this. Thanks for pointing it out and even recording the sound of it. Quiet shutter is a very underrated feature.
Yes, handy when you don't want to make noise because of the circumstances but also it doesn't spook animals or draw their attention and make pix look unnatural.
Thanks for this video walkthrough, very useful and clear, the best useful bunch of information i have seen about this camera and really happy you are showing the stabilised cat and the shutter sound comparison, i needed to hear that!
solsang Glad to hear that. The cat shot is ridiculous, really, I just picked up the camera and walked crouched backwards with the camera held down to the ground. The stabilization takes out all the jerkiness and leaves enough movement to still give the impression of movement. And the shutter, such a nice soft noise that I wanted other people to enjoy it too.
I find your videos not only thorough, but beautiful. As always, well executed. I always look forward to your future videos. Your snapshot style throughout is a welcome reprieve from 10 minute + video reviews that, in my opinion, do not show the allure and attraction of the reviewed item as well as what it can do. Keep it up Mr. Thorpe!
Theophilus Carter What a lovely comment - thanks!
Nice review David Thorpe ! The omd em5 II is a great camera. I bought one a week ago. The idea of olympus colour and image stabilization with decent video features made it an easy choice.
My panasonic G6 and GM1 will continue to serve their purpose but I expect the olympus to by my main stills camera, plus a short clip pseudo-steadicam for video.
Really enjoy your reviews! Thanks for posting.
Thanks Lyndon. Yes, he Mk 11 is a very complete camera with a blend of features I didn't think I'd see. In particular, I had been led to believe that heat sink weight problems meant you couldn't combine high bit rate video with state of the art stabilization. Well, maybe not 4k (which to me is very specialist) but 77mbps all intra is high quality in anyone's book.
Really useful and helpful review, David, many thanks.
Hashbrown37 Thank you, too!
Always enjoy your review
TC It's good to hear that and thanks!
Great review. So detailed!
I love the way Olympus designs cameras. Would love to see a model dedicated for video makers. The stabilization system is awesome for on the go hand held shots.
+andrewvanrhoberts The E-M5ll goes a long way to being a video camera, certainly much further than any previous Olympus but they'd need to go some to improve on Panasonic's models, both MFT with stabilized lenses and dedicated video
Even when I have no interest in the product, I enjoy watching your reviews!
Thanks very much John - I'm flattered :-)
Thank you David great items and you are very much missed in this world 🌎
thanks a lot for this wonderful review!
they are always verry nice to watch
Harmjan Lever Thanks Harmjan!
Best Review I have watched. Honest and not the usual fan boy stuff many others do.
Nice review, thanks.
Ibis is a gift to those who shake! I love my 5-2 for the same reasons you do... I seem to have over come most of your issues with the dials and buttons through repetition... although I still erantly push the arrow pad getting the wrong screen, and the menu system imo is so so much easier than my first modern am the sony A6000, equally loved but now unused with a labyrinth of nonsensical screens leading me into pits of despair!
BRAVOI
I love to have good stabilization but I've always had rather shaky hands. I suppose 2 bottles of whiskey and a bucket of creme de menthe a day haven't helped ;-) Yes, it's true that constant use of a camera overcomes the dial and button issues. In my working days I used Nikon F's and used them completely instinctively but nowadays with reviewing cameras, I have to ring the changes too much.
Brilliant information and real good fun
What can I say - thank you and glad you enjoyed the video!
Great review, I just got the EM5ii with 12-40mm and I am loving it. By the way your cat is so cute - especially when he kept trying to rub his head onto the lens.
+Ricky Chiu He's a neighbour's cat called Riley. He seems to fancy himself as an actor or director or something because he often turns up when I'm shooting pix in the garden. I have a video devoted to him and his evil doings - czcams.com/video/-NjT4q3aJaA/video.html
Thank you for your kind reply. I am currently going back and forth between the Lumix G8 and Pen F. I thought I had made up my mind on the Pen until reading your comparison. In looking at your photo examples I prefer the cooler images from the Pen, however the lack of weather sealing causes pause. Then I look at the button interaction problem you discuss with the Lumix and I'm back and forth. I'm going from an A-7 system with associated glass to something more compact like 4/3s. I love the Leica color and find the Oly color to be really close, just the darned weatherproofing and there are your comments about the EVF. I find weight, transportability and visual acuity to be important as I am nearing 70 years of age. Regardless, thank you again for your work and kind response.
The GX8's EVF is as good as any EVF gets so far. It makes using the camera a pleasure. It is also £300 cheaper. One of the things with weather proofing is that the lens must be so also, otherwise there is no point. The colour output from all these cameras can be modified and you would be bound to find a setting you could be happy with.
The big selling point of the Pen F is its beautiful design and feel, really. With the GX8, stabilzation will only match the Pen F with a Panasonic Dual IS lens (most are). I'm only confusing things, really. The Sony system is great but with the necesssary FF lenses is much less transportable. You might take a look at a G80. It has about everything going for it from superb stabilization to improved colour JPGs and a whisper quiet shutter. And compact, too, with a good EVF, if not to the GX8 standard. Good choosing!
Great review!
I always enjoy your reviews & this one is no different.
sski66 Good to hear, thanks.
I always love your videos David. Thanks for this one. I am waiting for the EM1 Mark 2. I love my EM1, GH4's (I have 2 for work). I am still clinging to my D750 and Pro lenses for some shooting though. This camera looks great, so I can't wait for the upgrade to the EM1.
Enzo Maisano Thanks, Enzo. You certainly have a fine set of cameras there! I wonder when Olympus will think of a an updated E-M1.
Thank you. Excellent.
Dale Hubbard Thanks, Dale.
love your reviews!!
+Leju Jacob Thanks a lot, Leju!
Yes, I'm waiting for the OlyOly too, only with 2 card slots! Up the low light capabilities a bit, too, and it will be my perfect camera :)
+Cheralynn 2 slots would be nice for peace of mind, that's for sure. I don't think there is anything pending in the way of low light capability, though. Could it be that sensor technology has peaked, within affordable limits at least
Great review, David. I also agree with you re the handling of the em5 mk ii as I was never very keen on it and much prefer the em1 for its handling.
One thing I did find with the em1's electronic shutter is that I found it tends to under expose pictures after I take them. I don't know if you knew why that might be?
I fell in Love and Bought the OMD-ME1.
Now it is on shalf.
Very useful review.
Ralph Bennett Good to hear that, Ralph, thanks.
Marco Coppiardi Thanks for that, Marco!
Hi David. I like a lot your videos. Please activate the automatic English subtitles. that helps a lot to people that are not English native speakers. Congratulation for your videos and hello from Tenerife, La Laguna, Canary Island.
Thanks Juan. I hadn't thought of subtitling, I'll look into it as soon as possible. Sounds very useful.
Great review.
+Film & TV Nice to hear that - thanks!
"Next is fast sleep mode, I thought it would just play a slideshow of my photos..." LMAO
I laughed for a long time at that. Great video. Seriously considering buying this camera. Thank you. And great photos!
jmdj530 Thanks so much for that comment - makes doing the videos worthwhile in itself!
Thanks for the review - very useful. Must say, I don't have any problem with the controls.
It is probably because I was reared on much bigger cameras so I'd prefer a bit more space. But the right balance between size and usability is a vary personal one and the E-M5's certainly suits you. That's handy(!) for you because easy portability is a big factor in how much a camera gets used.
That's right, David. I found that I just wasn't using my big Canon SLR set-up as it was just too bulky. So I sold it all on eBay and bought the Olympus + a couple of lenses. Haven't looked back!
David Thorpe - thank you once again for a superb unbiased review. You’re by far the most pleasant, practical and intelligent reviewer on CZcams by a long country mile!
What can I say - except thanks!
Enjoyed your comparison to a 60’s Nikon. I have a Nikkormat Ftn, absolutely built like a tank with a VERY hefty feel. Saw your video right after I placed an order for a used em-5 mk II. Now I can’t wait for the little beasty to get here! Cheers
Super camera, you'll love it!
David Thorpe , thanks much. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Cheers
Best review.
excellent video i liked the info
Tahnsk, Ravi!
Great review! I have a G6 and agonised over the E-M1 and E-M5ii as a second Olympus body with body image stabilisation. Like you, I wanted an M1 body with M5ii internals, but ultimately the M5ii won the day, even though the M1 was cheaper. I just wish the body was a little larger. Still, there's always the grip available as a bolt-on. If the M5ii hadn't been weatherproofed I would have gone for the M1, though. Weatherproofing is greatly underrated as a feature IMO.
+MrSonicAdvance Yes, I wish the camera was a bit bigger too. For a lot of people , the weather proofing is for wet conditions but I like it mainly because I can work in sandy or dusty conditions with too much woory. I do wish there was some sort of cover that would protect the sensor during lens changes.
I've lived with the E-M5ii for a few months now, and whilst there are some things I love about it, there are a few areas where it could be improved. I'm not entirely convinced by the ergonomics, but I think part of that is the swapover from my G6. The ergonomics are greatly improved by fitting the grip, which makes the M5ii much more comfortable, if also inconveniently large.
In my experience tracking focus performance is intermittent and as a result, I don't really trust it. Partnered with the Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8, I found it getting lost and confused once too often, and now if something's moving, I prefer to use manual focus and pre-focus. I'm sure this isn't the best way of doing it as I'm not a terrific photographer, but at least it's my fault when the picture is poor, and my success when it's good. Also I find buffer a little too small for the 10fps shooting mode, running out of steam and slowing down at inconvenient times. (Mind you it's not like the G6 is any better.)
The image stabilisation is mad-bonkers good though, a real game-changer. The 40MP mode is great too, giving amazing detail. I haven't bothered with the video yet, as the G6 is so good and I'm so familiar with it.
But I keep getting the nagging feeling that for me, the E-M1 would have been a better choice for most of what I use a camera for. Yeah, I'd hate not being able to flip the screen over and out of harm's way and also the slightly inferior image stabilisation would bother me every time I missed a shot with blur, but the large buffer and better focus tracking really appeals. All that said, I can't imagine parting with the E-M5ii, because what it does well, it does really well.
Yes, the weatherproofing does give you peace of mind. I found the grip makes a lot of difference, though it niggles me to have duplicate dials at the front. It doesn't really matter, just feels untidy somehow. If the body was the size of the E-M1 it would have been better but then a lot of photographers would have thought it too big! The companies can't win!
very nice review.
Caio Petrônio Thanks Caio!
excellent channel here!!
Pablo Riquelme Good to hear that, Pablo!
hi, i need help, i used to have a sony a6000 and have gotten nice prints 16x20 from it, but over the course of two years of owning it, i struggled with its menu system and lenses that i want for it are so expensive, so i'm torn between EM5 ii or panasonic g85. my main concern is great images and that i can also print them possibly 20x30.. thanks
Your Oly-Oly is here... Hope to see your OMD EM5 Mkiii review later in the year?...
Waiting for delivery - later this month (Nov), I hope!
Superb no nonsense review. Looking forward to the EM-1 MkII :-)
Jack the Hat Photographic Thanks - me too!
David Thorpe you think that they will announce one before the end of 2015, or sometime in 2016?
Robert Stofa I think the E-M1 MkII will be announced within the next 6 months. My guess would be October/November :-)
Jack the Hat Photographic that would be awesome!
Robert Stofa It'll be interesting, that's for sure. I wonder if Panasonic's GX8 20Mp will influence them?
You are my Articulated Monitor ! Great stuff..
:-)
May I suggest something?
I'm really curious about your photography adventures before you 'retired.' A video on that will be interesting (at least to me).
[:
3plestrafe I'll have a think on that. I worked for Paul McCartney and German magazines and...all sorts of things. I have a small web site at www.dthorpe.net too.
David Thorpe your writing about prime lenses.. very insightful!
Thanks again David for a nice review. I must think that Oly will put these and other improvements into the next version of the EM1, so for me I'll wait, but it really looks promising. Have you looked at the G8? Can you think of any scenario where you would have one Oly and one Pana, like EM1 and G8 or GH5?
Glad you liked the review. Yes, I can think, of that scenario. Maybe GX8, E-M2. Plus the GM5 because it can always be with you.
Great one👌. May i know if mk2 is having a phase detection mode of focusing or a contrast based one?
Thank you! The Mark II uses contrast detection only.
As the need for a backup camera/travel camera became apparent to me, I rented the Sony a6000 because of the lower cost. Then I rented the Olympus em-d 5ii. I found the Sony too toy like, but it took really great photos with the attach stabilizing lens. However, it bugged me that I could not readily access the focus point control as easily as I do on my Nikon D750. Cost was in my budget but that one point I couldn't really live with. Not to mention that it crops images in camera even when shooting raw.
The Olympus cost twice as much as the Sony, but all the controls were at my finger tips as they are on my Nikon. The menu wasn't any more complicated than the Sony's menu and at times found it easier to understand. The Oly seemed much more intuitive and more like my Nikon. I shoot manual and raw all the time. And, I hate change. IQ was on par with sony and I think, better. It's paired with the pro 12-40 lens which, is not unlike my ff Nikon lenses.
Even though the Olympus was much more $$$ I felt it to be a keeper. Having rented it with the opportunity to buy (remember that rentals are USED items) I didn't pay full "new" price. I got a good price quote for both the camera and lens that I couldn't turn down. The Olympus OM-D 5 II is a really nice (and lighter) camera.
+Tloopfan it's a lovely camera for sure. The 12-40 f/2.8 zoom is about as good as a lens can get. I actually sold my 12mm Olympus prime because the zoom was so much better at 12mm. I'm glad you are happy with your choice - it's huge advanatge to rent before spending so much money.
you deserve more subs
Thanks, Mikey. It's a slow building thing but the more the merrier.
Nice review 👍🏻
Thanks Franis
+David Thorpe Francis I meant....small keyboards awards!
Great review David. As always, I love your choice of words. ;-)
Now, can you do a review for the upcoming 7-14mm f/2.8?
Andreas Theodorou Thanks! I'm hoping to try the Olympus ultra wide but I don't get any help from anyone, especially Olympus!
David Thorpe I was expecting Olympus to be more supportive of you and your channel. Especially considering that you are one of the most popular m4/3 gear reviewers. Maybe, they will send review-copies to a broader range of people as we move closer to the release date. Hopefully at least.
Andreas Theodorou I'll hope but I won't hold my breath!
Wich would you prefer this Olympus or the Panasonic gx85
Great review as always. I was wondering, how does the buffer stand up? I'm considering getting either this camera or the new Panasonic G7. I occasionally shoot some sports and wildlife and was leaning more towards the G7 until I saw this review :) Much appreciate your thoughts.
+Howie Mudge For continuous shooting I'd prefer the Panasonic and I think the focusing is a bit better too. But the Olympus has advantages of its own like the amazing stabilization. Its hard - I'd be inclined to play wit both in a camera shop and get the one I with the preferred feel.
+David Thorpe - are you reviewing the EM1ii in the future? It might be the OlyOly you ask for, albeit at an eye-watering price point for mere mortals like me.
just great review. i bought one and its fantastic...my canon 5dmkii doesnt come out of my bag anymore. do you have a camera setting samples as well. thanks
+jeffrey modesto There's on in my book on the E-M5ll but it's a bit long to list elsewhere. My settings are really simple, RAW, Aperture Priority, 200 ISO, S-AF, Single Shot anti-shock shutter, Stabilization Mode 1, 4:3 ratio, Single central focusing (not small), then most else on defaults. I just alter things from there as necessary.
Great argument, "never used better"!
Thanks!
This changes everything.
Salvatore Mendola It _is_ pretty impressive
What case/camera bag are you using David? I'm looking for a bag for EM5 + 2 lenses, wonder if you had any suggestions.
attentionaddicts I've used Lowepro for some time, for the past couple of years the 250AW Slingback. I like to use the smallest bag I can for when I'm out and about on foot or cycle and the 250 takes my camera body and 3 zooms lenses and other bits I like to have with me. I like the Sling bags because I like being able to just swivel the bag round to my front to access the camera quickly without undoing the whole bag. Plus, they are nicely made, well designed and not expensive. I am sure there are others as good but the Lowepro fills the bill nicely for me and they do smaller ones if you don't need the size of the 250.
David, seems like your wish of an 'Olly Olly' will soon come true. Apparently later this year at Photokina Olympus will unveil the OMD EM2 which will indeed have the ergonomics of its predecessor with updated internals of the EM5ii, plus new 20mb sensor, high-resolution capability and 4k video.
Sounds interesting, thanks. I do sometimes wonder if we aren't approaching the perfect camera and we'll end up with Panasonic and Olympus incorporating everything from everywhere in their new cameras. Whether that would be a good thing I don't know.
Nice review David ! Made from a camera user point of view. Could you do a similar review on Panasonic Lumix G7 which was recently launched ?
Sandeep Krishnan Hi Sandy. Yes, I'm planning to get hold of one in August when I get back to London.
Quick Sleep Mode double deadpan jokes, bravo!
Te Enn I wondered if anyone would spot that!
what do you think about the em5 mark II vs em1? I have seen the em 1 now equipped with the 14-40 pro for only 300 more than the lens itself.
That sounds a good deal. Unless you plan to do lots of fast moving sports, the E-M1 isn't particularly better than the E-M1. Image quality and EVF are similar. I find the small body of the E-M5ll a bit cramped but that was about the only thing I could fault it for and that is a personal thing anyway. It may or not matter to you but the video on the E-M5ll is more versatile. The 12-40 Pro is about the best performing zoom in the Micro Four Thirds system, just as good as the primes whose range it covers.
Thanks for the great review. Really enjoyed it. Any advice on deciding between the GH4 and the OM-D E-M5 II? Is it a case of if more video than stills the GH4? Or more stills than video, the E-M5 II? Or is it that simple? Always seems to be more complicated than I would like!
Eamon Adams In principle I think it is that simple. The Olympus does video as well as most would need it but for more you'd have to go for the GH4. I much prefer the handling and menus of Panasonics but the E-M5 Mk11 has that amazing stabilization. I am tending to Olympus now purely because of their 40-150mm f/2.8 and converter. It's a one stop answer to a lot of my photographic needs but it needs stabilizing. If Panasonic had brought out a 150mm f/2.8 prime and converter, I'd have stayed with them but in the long lens area they seem to have backed off leaving many photographers high and dry
David Thorpe Thanks for the reply!
Great review, just ordered my body for $500 US, and right after the flat video profile was released! Seems almost too good to be true...
+Stephen Jenkins That's a ridiculous price for a camera like this! And the video profile you wanted too. No wonder you're happy.
Great camera and even better review! Although, I still can't quite push myself to buying it, as I have the latent feeling that your Oly-Oly is also arround the corner, that is the Olympus e-m1 mark ii and I somehow feel I owe it to myself to wait and see what the flagship will have to offer, before going out and buying yet another MFT camera ;) Best regards from Germany!!
STEHH87 Thanks for the kind words. I agree, I think an E-M1 Mk 11 will most likely incorporate the new aspects of this and combine them with the PDAF ability. What the heck would they do for an E-M1 Mk 111, though?
Yes and I've even read that they are planning on introduceing a new 18MP sensor. I personally don't care much for the extra 2MP, but I really hope that they also manage to step-up the noise performance. I remember the huge improvement from the old 12MP sensor on the e-pl3 to the 16MP sensor on the e-pl5 when it comes to noise performance! Maybe the noise level on an iso 1600 shot will be equivalent to an iso 6400 shot with the new sensor... Also besides focusing on new features (which are definitely nice) Olympus/Panasonic should focus on some faster primes! I'd like to see a 17.5mm 1.2 or even 1.0, same for 25mm, that is if they are indeed serious about approaching professional needs (even if they are big, they'll still be a lot smaller then FF lenses...) because when it comes to DOF the sad truth is that due to the shorter focal length the DOF on those primes is equivalent to double the apeture on full frame, that is 25mm 1.8 = 50mm 3.6 for DOF... really not that jaw dropping...
STEHH87 The more high sped lenses the better. I'm not fussed about extra pixels either and if there are significant advances in sensor technology (I haven't heard of anything imminent) I'd much prefer it used to improve noise on a 16mp sensor than up the count to 18mp. On depth of field, I find the 45mm Olympus will do pretty much what I need at f/1.8 or 2. The Nocticron's f/1.2 is great and I absolutely loved it but it's just too big for my day to day use.
David be careful the lugs on Olympus cameras on the left side are well know to just break for really no god reason other then cheap plastic. When I got my E-M5 I thought the lugs where made out of metal but plastic.
So now I use the vertical grip and the small strap that attaches to the grip. So far I like this better then any camera strap as my neck no longer hurts.
If you do want a camera strap I found one on Ebay that goes around your neck but has the screw part that goes on the bottom like a BlackRapid does. So I have that strap and I have some BlackRapid clones also.
I was hitting the dials a lot on my E-M5 but I got the vertical grip and the top dials I never hit them now. But I was hitting the dials on the grip so I hit the lock switch on the bottom grip and have not ran into the problem again. Fix one problem ran into another problem. LOL
I do remember people reporting the GH1 the glue was bad and their cameras came off their straps.
mp4podcastDOTcom You amaze me! Thanks, I'll look out for that plastic lug. I've ordered a grip (without the battery part) so I'll review that later. I'm hoping it will solve the problem. Actually, most of what I want to alter is on the super menu - at last they've set that to appear by default!
I am with you on the 'Ollly Olly'. I too would like a best of both words ('Olympusonic') and so I look forward to an update (mkII) of the EM1. Owning a GH2 and a GH3, I miss out on the inbody stabilisation and focus peeking. I do hope that a mkII EM1 has better video and frame rates to match the GH3/4.
BobToms100 Hi Bob - I'm sure a Mk11 E-M1 would have video to GH3 levels. GH4, I'm less sure. It's said to be impossible to combine state of the art IBIS with 4k but Olympus have managed 77mbps so who know where they'll be in a years time?
David Thorpe 4k isn't an important feature for me, what is more important is IBIS and focus peeking; they're really good features to have for stills and video, and with quality lenses, compete, more closely, with cropped frame DSLRs.... though a Sony A7s + lenses would be nice to have... #californiadreamin'
BobToms100 I hate that phrase 'would be nice to have'. It triggers all kinds of thoughts along the lines of 'because I'm worth it'. And then reality and bank statements come and spoil everything!
Well, I'm not a pro photographer and nor do I have enough money to spend on two systems, so the A7s and the other Sony A7 cameras are not being considered now and for a long time. Yes, financial common sense does have to rule, even if now and again one treats oenself to a new (2nd hand) lens, and in doing so breaking the rule temporarily!
I'm very happy with what m4/3rds system offers me and I would like to take better photos and edit them well enough to hang them on the wall as memories of happy times travelling or at home taking good photos.
BobToms100 I'm more fond of MFT cameras now after several years using them than I was at the beginning. They are perfectly capable of doing anything that I might want and a great deal more too. I'm lucky in that I've had the privilege of using most of the best cameras produced for the last many years (and my business paying for them). It means that I don't have any curiosity about larger formats because I've used them and know what they can do -and that I don't need it. In an ideal world I'd have a Nikon D something with an 85mm f1.4 which I'd use once in a blue moon for when I really fancied minimal DoF. But actually, my little 45mm Olympus serves perfectly well. The fact is that if someone is unable to take a good picture on an MFT camera they are the problem and a bigger format won't help.
Hi again David..EM-5II or EM10 II wich model is good for fotografer..? i watch your video for two model or Oylmpus..i want get your openen before buy..
Thanks.
Hi Aydin - both are great cameras. Although it is cheaper and has a few fewer facilities, the E-M10 ll is a lovely camera to hold and handle. I'd be inclined to go for that and spend the difference on lense(s).
Hi David thanks so much for your reviews, I'm looking at buying my first mirrorless camera, I don't even own a dslr, I'm only just starting to get into photography, should I start with the olympus om-d e-m10 and then later move up? I've heard good and bad things about mirrorless so I'm confused now as to what is better between a dslr or mirrorless?
lulounz You're welcome and I'm glad you like the reviews.It's not really a matter of better or worse between DSLR and mirrorless, they're just different. I have a video explaining why I use the cameras I do at : czcams.com/video/lS2A6xH2MFwF/video.htmlull frame DSLRs are capable of higher image quality but less wieldy and transportable in general. I have no practical use for the (in principle) extra quality of full frame cameras but do require a full range of lenses, so Micro Four Thirds camera bodies like the E-M10 are the ideal basis for building an outfit. The E-M10 would be an excellent buy - take a look at the Panasonic GX7 as well.
Thanks for the reply, will take a look at the other video too 😊
Hi, great review, i have the same difficult with the dials: a bit to easy to be accidentally turned. but still in love with it.
i still have big difficulties to get sharp images (17mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8). i don't know why...
Sweet camera, just wish it was a bit bigger. You shouldn't be having problems focusing with it. It snaps in and out normally, fast and accurate. Is it back focusing or front focusing? Presuming stabilization is on and you aren't using less than 1/20th shutter speed, the stabilization would take care of camera shake. Set the focus area to one area, the _one_ square in the middle of the viewfinder and point the camera at a wall. If its not sharp, there's something badly wrong.
I'm very please about the results i have in general, i recommand the camera, and the lens. I think i do a bit too much pixel peeping with the 17mm f/1.8 which i find a bit to soft when i need to do cropping.
I should lend it to a pro, in order to get his point of view, it's sometime just about confidence :)
With the 17mm, at f/1.8 and f/2 the edges are softer than the centre. That's normal. The centre sharpness at those apertures is beyond reproach. By f/2.8 the performance of the lens across the whole frame is not bettered by anything.
There was one site, I believe that has criticized this lens but that site also finds lens performance different on different bodies. That is patently absurd, telling you much about the testing procedures but nothing about the lens.
I most of the time shoot at f/4. Again, i may expect too much when cropping.
If you crop to the size of the monitor you are viewing on you won't see any loss of quality. But after that, if the monitor has to interpolate, then you'll see a drop in sharpness.
David, great review. I have been watching several reviews of this camera, but I find your review extremely honest. Great stuff.
Question for your, would you recommend this camera, with the proper lenses, for a safari trip? in other words for wild life photography.
Yes, I certainly would. Fantastic stabilization for when the light drops but the long lenses aren't so big they'd weigh you down.
Thank you, that´s what I thought - I currently have a Nikon D3000 and the lenses need a piece of hand luggage just for themselves. Between the Panasonic 100-400mm and the Olympus 40-150mm Pro f2.8 * x1,4 multiplier, which set up would you pick? There´s a couple of hundred pounds/euro difference being the Pana more expensive but also more powerful so not sure if the money is worth it on the Panasonic nor if I am going to be penalized in weight.
Thank you again!
In terms of size and weight the Olympus and Panasonic are very much the same. While the 100-400mm is less use as a general purpose lens, too long for normal portraiture, for example, it would be perfect for a safari. It focuses close too, so if you were brought closish to an animal you'd have the possibility of a stunning portrait of it. and great for birds, too. The idea of taking that lens on a safari is really exciting.
The stabilization is excellent too. I'm a big fan of the Olympus 40-150 Pro but its max 210mm, while enough for most subjects, will be stretched to reach out to camera shy animals. Ft if reach is what you need, the Panasonic, for sure.
David, I have a question, I have an EPL5 & and GX7, I was thinking about getting the OMD-Em5-2, or the GH4, I do 95% stills, I love the way the GH4 feels, have not tried the OLy yet. Image quality is my utmost concern. which one has better still photo quality?
David Alan Photography Both have image quality practically on a par with your present cameras in RAW. JPG output can differ but you can tweak it to your taste on any of the cameras. MFT image quality has reached a plateau right now. What minor differences there are wouldn't be enough to sway a buying decision, really.
David Thorpe
Thank you! I really enjoy your video's and look forward to more reviews
I'm starting to get in to photography and I want a small, nice camera - would you recommend this for an upgrade from a Canon 350D?
+Matthew Ho Yes, I would, thoroughly. Take a look at the Pansonic G7 as as well and see which feels best in your hands. But if that isn't possible, you won't go wrong with the E-M511.
Hi David. I have an issue on my EM5 mark II. Basically between shootings when I lay the camera away of the eye it enters a sort of stand-by or sleep mode, the screen goes black and it takes 2-3 seconds to come back. Why is that? I can avoid it only if I keep half-pressing the shoot button. How do I make in between shooting and waking of the camera immediate?? Thanks
He passed away. He won't reply your question.
Could it be the quick sleep mode he showed at 9:33
@David Thorpe - would you pick the EM1.1 over the EM5ii or vice versa? What would make you opt for one over the other for instance?
I'd pick the E-M1 Mk1. The E-M1 Mk2 wasn't a massive upgrade and the body does have the PDAF. The E-M5 Mk2 doesn't have the best AF. But I prefer a bigger bidy camera anyway. So, price for price, the E-M1.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Well i do prefer the ergonomics of that EM-1 myself, i would have to add a grip to the em5, so the jump from em1 mk1 to the em1 mk2 isnt actually that big performance wise?
@@iamneallyons4263 You have the 20Mp sensor on the later camera but while if it is there it is worth having, it makes little, if any difference in general use. Ditto focusing. Improvements in camera performance are incremental these days, rather like mobile phones. At the outer extremes of camera performance, fast moving poorly lit indoor sport, say, you might see a 5% or increase in hit rate but you'd get a better increase by getting a bit of practise in. I sometimes think that a good policy is to skip the next 'upgrade' to any given camera and wait for the next, Mk1 to Mk3, GX7 to GX9, for example.
@@DavidThorpeMFT yes this makes perfect sense - although I believe the latest firmware has improved the em1.2 again but as you say, incremental - I often wonder how much of a placebo these improvements are for people who have just went and bought the thing. They have to convince themselves that the outlay was worth it ultimately.
Heyyyy new video =]
Great review and bought M5 Mk2 last month after watching, really love this camera but sadly have just returned it after fault with EVF (spots burned on EVF from sunlight). Was wondering if you had heard of any issues like this as I have just recieved a replacement but am reluctant to keep if this may be an issue.
+Trevor Keery thanks Trevor. No, never had any issues with burn spots. I have read about it occurring though. I t doesn't seem to be a common probem and I wonder if maybe it occurs as a result of a paricular sequence of events. Sunlight shining through a lens (the dioptre adjustment)is always a potential burn problem so maybe there is something in the way the camera rear has been exposed to sunlight. If you are seriously worried, a Google for burn in on Panasonic EVF produces nothing so it so insofar as it exists, it is an Olympus problem. I'd probably keep the E-M5ll and hope for the best, all the while taking care not to let the sun at the camera back too much when not being used. I'm not implying it's your fault in any way, just an unfortunate coincidence of weakness and normal use.
+David Thorpe Thanks David for the quick response really hoping that this is not a common problem as I really love the e-m5 mark ii as you mention the issue seems to be the diopter focusing the sun into the evf but have never had any issues with my other mirrorless cameras Panasonic G3 ,G5 ,G6 ,G7 .
Going to give it one more chance and hope for the best but this must surly be a design fault by Olympus.
+Trevor Keery If it was a matter solely of the dioptre focusing the sun on the EVF it ought to occur on the Panasonics as well, as you imply. But also, since the only references I can find to the effect are on Olympus that does imply a weakness. On the other hand, most people don't suffer the problem so perhaps it is some examples only. I can't imagine why that would be. Maybe Olympus have more than one source for their EVF panels. That being so, it would be unlikely you'd get another example with the problem. Good luck!
Is this a good buy now , for a beginner to photography ( landscape , time lapseand street photography)
In comparison to Fuji XT20 , GX9 and to M10 m iii ?
It is but the Mark III is even better and is the one I'd go for. I have one but not long enough for a review yet.
Great review as always!!! I want to learn photography as an amateur, and I'm indecise between this camera and the Sony a6000. I red olympus has a lot more lenses. Can you help to decise which is better for photos?
The Sony A6000 is a good camera - it's hardly possible to buy a bad one nowadays - but the Olympus is more than just interchangeable lens, it's part of a system with choices of lenses in all focal lengths priced from low to high. The Sony has lovely lenses but you are tied to a proprietary mount which limits your choice of lenses and prices. The E-M5ll is a fantastic all round camera and there's scarcely anything it can't do. Image quality is theoretically a bit better with the Sony but I've never heard anyone complain about the Olympus's.
For learning photography I'd definitely choose the Olympus. You can start with cheaper lenses and move up to Pro items when/ if you wish. But, leaving aside the lens choice, neither camera would be a bad pick.
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+David Thorpe Thank you sir. I think I'll choose the olympus.
Great informative Video....Can you shoot remotely with this camera using either a smart device or a remote control advice?
Yes, the Olympus IS app lets you control the whole thing from a smartphone very easily. There are various remote releases for it but the app trumps them, really,
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks David..👍
nice review David - I have the EM5 original - tried the M2 - no real improvement in IQ - the 40MP on a tripod is not high on my list - I prefer the Panasonic menu and full Touch LCD - and always have a hassle putting it in my bags as the EVF hump tangles and snags - so much easier to bag the GX7's - Sony A6000 etc -
I really like the Flip LCD - so will be interesting to see what the Panasonic GX8 will be like - I assume 4K will be included - but I do not expect it to have any IBIS in Video like the GX7 - and do not expect it to improve on the 3 axis IBIS - so I do not expect it to be much changed other then the 4K will be the start but I expect no Mic in - like the EM5 M2 which has small cosmetic updates that yes are nice like the Display button was way to small and to close to other button - and a bit better video - and a bit better 5 axis IBIS and the 40MP mode but only good for static items on tripod - but the Flip LCD is nice -
I think the price tag is a bit high - as Sony will soon announce their A7000 which is supposed to have 5 axis IBIS and 4K and a hybrid AF with kit lens for about $800-$900 I hear - at least what rumors are saying - the A6000 is now down to $500-$600 and has been one of the strongest mirror less camera in sales -
I still like the EM1 better - yes video not as good and no 40MP mode etc - but grip so much nicer and button layout better - although I still like Panasonic's layout best -
So unless the Sony A7000 is a marvel and a must buy at a great price - I think I will have to wait till Fuji and Panasonic have their new Organic sensor made - rumor is that they have been working on it for some time - but due to issues I do not expect to see it for another year or two - so I see little improvements in M43 - Sony is wanting to compete in MP count - but I would love to see Panasonic and Olympus make their sensors backlit - similar to the sensor in Sony RX100m3 and Canon G7X and the Samsung NX1 and NX500 - it really does improve low light performance and m43 sensors need that more so than MP increase at least for now - so I am passing up on the EM5 M2 -
jon hermannsson The 40mp mode isn't of great interest to me either but the silent shutter, articulated screen and good enough video are. I prefer the handling and (certainly) the menu systems of Panasonic's myself. I'm not bothered about sensor improvements either since performance is good enough for my personal needs. Nonetheless, better is always better! The big thing for me is that the 12-40 and 40-150 f/2.8 plus converter cover 95% of what I do but that lens really does need stabilizing and the E-M5 Mk11 does that in spades.
jon hermannsson Good points well made. Good video by the way David. I tryed out the new EM5 mk 2 at the photography show recently in the UK-the dials are definately a bit cramped, the grip is too small (so I'd want the extra grip) plus the menus do seem a bit complictaed compared to Panasonic. I did talk with the Panasonic team too and suggested they should put 3mos sensors in their future flagship models like they already do in their camcorders. I was wondering what you meant by the rumours of an 'organic' sensor, is this a new technology coming out?
Steve Ferneyhough Hi Steve. The 'organic sensor' wasn't me, it was Jon Hermannsson (above in the comments). It looks like a development several years down the line to me. Yes, I've got a grip on the E-M5 Mk2 at the moment and it transforms the camera really. But brings it up to the size of the E-M1! I have a feeling that for an ergonomically sound camera, the E-M1 size is the minimum. Olympus menus, they certainly are complicated compared to Panasonic. That's where Panasonic's background in consumer goods comes in, I suppose. Who would buy a domestic TV with an olympus set-up menu? :-)
Yes, sorry David-was not sure who said what! I have looked up organic sensors myself & it seems Panasonic & Fuji have developed this technology which will vastly improve dynamic range, noise levels and colour accuracy. Hope they put this tech into their cameras soon.
David Thorpe -- One question about the manual focus assist on adapted lenses (or native, for that matter). On GH4 you have a "viewfinder within a viewfinder", where the smaller one is the magnified one, and you can move it around the frame. Can you tell me if that is the case also with the E-M5 II? Can you move the MF assist point around (to avoid error-prone focus and recompose)? And can you make the magnified area NOT take over entire viewfinder, so you know what's going on within the frame while you're focusing?
mountainhobo No, Olympus does not have the moveable window in the same way. However you can set where the window will be by touching the screen before activating the magnifying. For non-native lenses, the magnify facility must be set to a Fn button to switch it on and off. You can vary magnification via the rear dial. In other words, you can do what the Panasonic does but it is less intuitive and fluid in action.
David Thorpe And does the magnification window cover the whole viewfinder, or is it a "screen-within-screen", like Panasonic? Also, do you need to touch the screen to guide the initial MF assist point, or can you move it with the arrow buttons?
mountainhobo You can move MF focus point by touch or arrow keys. The mag screen covers the whole window but reverts to normal view when you half press the shutter. if you wish it to.
How's the battery life after image stabilization. My elp5 battery goes dead quickly after a few uses for stabilization as powerful as 40mm or something. I rarely use I.S for that reason.
MUSTDOS Battery life is not good so I have the battery grip which makes it bearable. I rarely shoot more than a frame or two of something but when I'm shooting birds and getting lots of wasted frames, it does seem to eat the batteries. There's a price to pay for everything!
David Thorpe Thanks for reply
As it's mirroless the shutter sound should be ajustable, or have i got that wrong?
No, you just have silence. I prefer a click which I can do on Panasonic, 2 levels of it in fact.
David Thorpe Yep, my Canon S90 has 3 different sounds and you can alter the volume.
Clive Ellis Maybe Olympus will add it to the next E-M whatever?